An Inspector Calls (J. B. Priestley) - Act 1 - Review & Exam Practice + ANSWERS

This NO-PREP unit is designed to support the teaching of An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley, with a sharp focus on Sheila Birling’s role in the narrative and her connection to Eva Smith.

The resources guide students through key events, character analysis, and Priestley’s themes of social responsibility and class, all within the context of Act One.

The pack includes:

1. Comprehension: Quick Quiz Activities

Two engaging quick quizzes help students recall and sequence the main events of Act One. The first quiz asks students to determine the truth of statements about character actions, while the second challenges them to order key plot points, reinforcing their understanding of the play’s structure and Sheila’s involvement.

2. Character Analysis: Sheila vs. Eva

Students examine quotations to explore Sheila’s motivations for having Eva sacked from Milwards, delving into issues of jealousy, insecurity, and class prejudice. Guided questions prompt deeper discussion about how Sheila’s feelings and actions compare to Eva’s situation and what this reveals about class and gender.

3. Relationship Dynamics: Sheila and Gerald

Through contrasting quotations from the start and end of Act One, students analyse the development of Sheila and Gerald’s relationship. They are encouraged to write a paragraph explaining how Sheila’s awareness and assertiveness grow as the act progresses.

4. Key Characters: Review and Discussion

A gap-fill activity invites students to compare Sheila and Eva, reinforcing their understanding of character contrasts and Priestley’s intentions. Open-ended questions encourage students to consider how Sheila’s attitude towards Eva Smith and other working-class women differs from those of other characters, and how her emotional response to Eva’s death sets her apart from her family

5. Analytical Writing & Exam Practice: PEEL Paragraphs and Essay

The worksheet scaffolds analytical writing by guiding students through the PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) structure. Students plan and then write three PEEL paragraphs, before adding an introduction and conclusion to develop a complete five-paragraph essay on Sheila’s involvement with Eva Smith and her reactions to the Inspector in Act One1.

6. Teacher’s Guide: A detailed teacher’s guide outlines learning objectives, lesson structure, and discussion points, making lesson delivery straightforward and prep-free1.

7. Teaching Slides & Answer Key

Ready-to-use presentation slides and a comprehensive answer key are provided, supporting both classroom teaching and independent student work1.

This resource pack offers a comprehensive, skills-based approach to Act One of An Inspector Calls, ensuring students engage deeply with character, theme, and context while developing critical reading and analytical writing skills.

Please leave feedback! Happy teaching!